10 Best Final Battles In Comic Book Movies

Comic book movies from the MCU, DCU, and beyond are famed for the dramatic final battle scenes, some of which have become iconic scenes in superhero cinema. Both the DC Universe and the Marvel Cinematic Universe have featured some impressive battle scenes throughout the years. While it’s hard to determine which is the very best, the genre has provided some of the most enthralling final battles ever put to film.

Superhero movies typically end with a climactic final confrontation that pits the hero against their villainous counterpart. The MCU timeline determined an effective formula for this, pitting the hero against a similarly powered antagonist to represent the battle between good and evil. Meanwhile, the DCEU timeline is filled with idiosyncratic foes that counter their heroes’ morality, featuring decidedly more superhuman heroes and villains.

10 The Battle Of Alcatraz

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

Despite being the weakest movie in the original X-Men movie trilogy, X-Men: The Last Stand featured a climactic and visually dynamic final battle sequence set on Alcatraz Island. Mutants clash in a high-stakes conflict as the government attempts to neutralize the threat with a purported “cure.” Wolverine’s berserker rage, Magneto’s strategic prowess, and the awesome power of Jean Grey as the Dark Phoenix combine to create a striking confrontation. The intense battle was a pivotal moment in the movie, culminating in Wolverine killing Jean Grey in a heartbreaking conclusion. The Alcatraz showdown encapsulates the film’s exploration of identity, choice, and societal fear.

9 Deadpool’s Grueling Yet Funny Fight With Francis

Deadpool (2016)

Deadpool‘s climactic final confrontation between the iconic antihero Deadpool and his nemesis Francis (Ajax) is a high-octane spectacular. The brutal and witty confrontation showcased Deadpool’s acrobatic combat style and unyielding resilience. The scene was bolstered by the movie’s witty humor, featuring a highly entertaining sequence where Deadpool had a knife stuck in his head. The scene delivered the movie’s promise of irreverent humor and graphic violence while also depicting the satisfying downfall of a truly despicable villain. The scene underscores Deadpool’s determination to rescue his love, Vanessa, while demonstrating the movie’s blend of superhero action, raunchy comedy, and extreme violence.

8 Batman, Superman, And Wonder Woman Battle Doomsday

Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016)

In Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the epic battle against Doomsday served as a visual feast. The Trinity (Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman) unite to face the formidable monster. The fight was a cinematic realization of comic book dynamics, showcasing each hero’s distinct abilities. Superman’s self-sacrifice, Batman’s tactical abilities, and Wonder Woman’s fierce combat skills come together in a last-ditch effort to save humanity. The CGI-heavy clash delivered tense action sequences that truly reflect the characters and their abilities. The battle against Doomsday signified the Trinity uniting and the first step towards the Justice League being formed.

7 Spider-Man And His Variants Unite

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

In the exhilarating climax of Spider-Man: No Way Home, three Spider-Men from different cinematic universes unite for an epic showdown against their pantheon of villains and a multiversal threat. Tom Holland, Tobey Maguire, and Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man seamlessly collaborated, blending their unique abilities and experiences. The convergence of these three performers was a nostalgic and crowd-pleasing spectacle celebrating Spider-Man’s cinematic legacy. The final battle reflected this perfectly, delivering exhilarating action and addressing several leftover character arcs. The way the scene reconciled the trauma suffered by Garfield’s Spider-Man after Gwen Stacey died was particularly compelling.

6 Team Thor Faces Hela

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

In the dramatic final battle of Thor: Ragnarok, the God of Thunder confronts the formidable Hela, the Goddess of Death. Set against the apocalyptic backdrop of Asgard’s destruction, the visually stunning confrontation demonstrated Thor’s evolution as a hero. Teaming up with Loki, Valkyrie, and the Hulk, Thor battles Hela’s relentless onslaught. The dynamic fight sequence, enhanced by Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” emphasized Thor’s newfound powers and determination. As Asgard faces imminent destruction, the battle against Hela becomes a poignant and visually spectacular culmination of Thor’s character arc. The scene also served as a turning point in MCU battle scenes, becoming markedly more cinematic and vivid.

5 Captain America And The Winter Soldier Fight Iron Man

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

The dramatic final clash in Captain America: Civil War pitted former allies against each other in a deeply emotional and physically intense battle. Captain America faced off against Iron Man in a gut-wrenching confrontation, with the added emotional weight of the revelation about the Winter Soldier’s involvement in Tony Stark’s parents’ death. The fight encapsulated a complex web of conflicting loyalties and personal vendettas. The choreography, emotional resonance, and unexpected twists make this final showdown a standout moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, highlighting the high stakes and personal sacrifices within the superhero community. The scene is also notable for the faithful recreation of classic Marvel Comics panels.

4 The Siege Of Gotham Square Garden

The Batman (2022)

The siege of Gotham Square Gardens depicted in The Batman is a pivotal and intense moment that captures the movie’s fresh take on the iconic hero. The Batman adapted elements from the Batman mythos that have been largely forgotten from previous movies in the Batman timeline. The integrated use of gadgets and stealth attacks lent the movie a comparable tone to the highly successful Batman: Arkham games. This, combined with the movie’s dedication to capturing Batman’s detective legacy, created a movie that captured everything missing from previous Batman movies. The siege at Gotham Square Gardens demonstrated this perfectly while proffering a relevant and compelling climax to the movie.

3 The Battle Of Wakanda

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

The Battle of Wakanda in Avengers: Infinity War is a breathtaking spectacle that unfolds when the Avengers, alongside the Wakandan forces, defend the nation against Thanos’ relentless onslaught. The scene blended cutting-edge CGI with the prowess of each superhero, creating a highly compelling scene littered with iconic moments. The stakes were palpable as the heroes strive to protect the Mind Stone from Thanos. The battle’s intensity is amplified by the emotional weight of sacrifice and impending doom. This grand-scale conflict showcased Wakanda’s strength and served as a climactic crescendo in the movie, and the MCU as a whole. The shocking conclusion ultimately had drastic ramifications for the entire franchise.

2 Batman’s Final Fight With The Joker

Batman (1989)

In 1989’s Batman, the iconic final fight between Batman and the Joker is a visceral and atmospheric clash. Set within the eerie Gotham Cathedral, the confrontation exemplifies Tim Burton’s dark vision of the iconic hero. Batman’s relentless pursuit of justice is juxtaposed with the Joker’s chaotic and maniacal presence. The scene demonstrated Batman’s physical power and determination against the Joker’s unpredictable insanity. Jack Nicholson’s unhinged performance and the Gothic ambiance create a memorable and chilling encounter. The way Burton connected the two heroes and the key elements from this final confrontation became essential elements in subsequent comic book movies.

1 The Avengers Defeat Thanos

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

The final battle against Thanos in Avengers: Endgame stands out as an epic culmination of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe and is undoubtedly the greatest final fight in comic book movie history – MCU, DCU, or otherwise. The fight featured some of the most iconic superhero scenes ever depicted on screen, including the heroes arriving through portals, Captain America wielding Mjölnir, and Iron Man making the ultimate sacrifice. The battle is a tapestry of emotional weight and incredible visuals, displaying each hero’s unique abilities and addressing several essential plot points. This grand conclusion solidifies Endgame as a monumental conclusion to the Infinity Saga and is the greatest final fight in comic book movies.